Kelsey spent eight seasons at Wake Forest under the late Skip Prosser and Dino Gaudio, then went to Xavier until 2011. Kelsey, 36, stepped away from the Muskateers after two seasons because he was having difficulty dealing with Prosser's death and wanted to spend more time with his family.

Kelsey said he has since come to grips with it and looks forward to taking over at Winthrop. Kelsey said Prosser's legacy will live on in people like him who'll teach young players the late coach's core values.

Kelsey replaces former Eagles coach Randy Peele, who was let go after the team's second consecutive losing season.